Addickted give muted reception to Salif Diao

The Addickted have given a muted reception to the news that Salif Diao is training with Charlton for a week while Iain Dowie runs the rule over him. One view is that he never made the grade at either 'Pool or Pompey and only got into Liverpool in the first place because the media was hypeing up Senegal when they qualified for the World Cup.

However, Charlton's search for a boost to their midfield is becoming increasingly urgent and Diao is a tough tackler in that role. He will travel with the squad to Hibernian for tomorrow's fixture and may well make an appearance at Easter Road.

Diao is open to offers as he looks set to leave Liverpool this summer. The Senegal international is well down the pecking order at Anfield. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Portsmouth, hoping to make a permanent move on to Portsea Island, but injury blighted his stay at Fratton Park.

Incidentally talking of Portsmouth, did anyone hear Redknapp say on the radio today, 'I think we'll stay up this year as we're the biggest club this side of Fareham.' Watford's manager was then asked about his hopes for the season. He replied that he replied that they would win the league and both cups. 'Aren't you exaggerating a bit?' asked the interviewer. 'Well, Harry started it' came the reply.